LSU travels to College Station for SEC series with Texas A&M

LSU begins a nationally televised three game SEC series against Texas A&M Thursday in College Station.

LSU (43-6, 19-5 SEC) is coming off a sweep of Florida, including a game three 18-6 blowout of the Gators.

The Tigers lead the Arkansas Razorbacks by 3.5 games in the SEC West, but trail the Vanderbilt Commodores by 2.5 games for the overall lead.

"We've had a tremendous regular season so far but it's certainly not time to celebrate," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "Our season will ultimately be judged by what we do in the postseason, and in order for us to be in the best possible postseason position, these remaining regular-season games are crucial. Texas A&M has an outstanding program that was in the College World Series just two years ago, so they certainly have our attention. We have to continue to play at a high level, especially on the road in a new environment."

Aaron Nola will start Friday's game two matchup and will be looking for his fifth consecutive complete game. Nola upped his record to 9-0 and was named this week's SEC Pitcher of the Week.

Mason Katz is hitting .378 with 10 doubles, 13 homers and 63 RBI. Freshman sensation Alex Bregman is batting .401 this season with 13 doubles, seven triples and five home runs.

LSU is currently ranked number three in the Collegiate Baseball Poll, USA Today/ESPN Poll and Baseball America Poll. Texas A&M is not ranked.

Texas A&M (26-22, 10-13 SEC) swept Missouri in a three game series and is fighting for a berth in the SEC tournament.

The Aggies pitching staff has an overall ERA of 3.60 and is led by closer Jason Jester's 12 saves. He is 2-2 with a 2.55 ERA on the season. Starter Daniel Mengden is 5-3 with a 2.10 ERA and Rafael Pineda is 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA.

The Aggies have a .272 team batting average. Mikey Reynolds is hitting .371 with 10 doubles and Cole Lankford is batting .351 with 11 doubles, three triples and one home run.